Educational Travel:
Your Greatest Mental Stimulation Awaits

Educational travel should be at the top of your list of things to do in your retirement.

If you are concerned that your body might outlast your mind in retirement, educational travel ranks as one of the top activities that can keep your mind sharp (according to the American Nurses Association).

Look, there's been lots of talk in the press and among the experts about how travel at this stage of your life is really about self-actualization. In other words, you're at a stage where your basic needs are met. If you've been blessed with children, they are almost out of the house and now it's time to take that inner journey of self-discovery.

All of that may be true. I'm no psychologist. But I can tell you this, travel is a blast; and, youowe it to yourself to take some trips. If they are educational trips (and you should plan on taking some of those), they will stimulate your mind which in itself is one of the keys to a long and happy retirement.

If you do start with group travel, here are some of the things you'll want to look for to make the most of the experience. Make sure the groups are small (no more than 15-20 people).

Also, wherever your travel destination takes you, insist on participating having hands-on participation in community activities as opposed to doing the "tourist thing" (quietly observing on the sidelines). This will make for a more meaningful cultural exchange.

The schedule should not be too packed. Not only will you tire yourself, but also you will not have the quiet time for yourself and engage in the culture in your own personal way. It would be awesome if the package includes some active programs (such as cycling around town).

Resist the typical scheduled bus tour. Often times, they don't make for a good educational experience. You can't hear (nor understand) half the things the tour guide is saying and you end up falling asleep in the back of the bus. You don't need that.

If it's been a lifelong dream of yours to go to Europe, you absolutely have to make Spain your first stop. I've lived there. And, I can tell you of all the countries I've been to, Spain was my favorite.

In Spain, you find a tremendous culture which is reflected in everything - from the warmth of the Spaniards, to their beautiful castillian spanish down to their wine and cuisine. If you get the opportunity, don't miss the day trip to Logrono and visit the wine country, La Rioja.

Of all the places I've traveled throughout the world thus far, I've yet to find a place that is as memorable as Logrono. Situated far away from the pollution of the big cities and at such an altitude where the air is so clean, the night will take your breath away.

Against a sky so blue and so full of stars, you see the Milky Way. You can see it so clearly that you almost want to reach up and touch it. I swear you've never seen anything so beautiful in your entire life.

Believe me, it will be money well spent. Once you've been to Spain, well, you can see the rest (France, Belgium, Italy etc...). Let me get off my soapbox. I could talk about Spain for days without stopping.

Your intellectual stimulation awaits with some great educational travel. Go have some fun. Hey, it's what the doctor ordered for a healthy retirement.

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